AC Milan sign Jane for another season

SOWETO-born Refiloe Jane, the first South African professional woman footballer to ply her trade in Italy, has been given a year’s extension on her contract at AC Milan, the crack Italian Serie A Women’s League team.

Last season, Jane was a kingpin in the team and counted among the best midfielders in the Serie A Women’s League. It came as no surprise when her Milan contract was renewed after it had run its course at the end of last season.

Milan are thrilled to retain her services and yesterday issued a statement which read: “The South African player will continue to wear the Rossoneri jersey next season.

“AC Milan announces the contract renewal of women’s first team player Refiloe Jane. The South African player will continue to wear the Rossoneri jersey next season.

“Jane, who is part of the squad since 2019/20, has so far collected 39 appearances with the club, and scored three goals.”

Rossoneri, AC Milan’s nickname, celebrated the announcement on Twitter with a note to Jane, who is known as ‘Fifi’ to her teammates: “Does Casa Milan ever lose its appeal, @ fifinhojane? The day of the renewal at your home Casa Milan.”

The 28-year-old Jane, who has 109 Banyana Banyana caps, joined AC Milan in 2019 after playing in England and Australia.

She has excelled as a defensive midfielder has shown great ability to read the game. She is very capable of breaking down opposition attacks close to her goalmouth, and then spark counter-attacks from deep positions. She has an excellent passing rate and opens the opposition’s rearguard with defencesplitting passes.

“I feel honoured and excited that my contract has been renewed,” said Jane. “It means I will enjoy one more season at AC Milan.

“It has been a fruitful journey not only for me but also the team. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for us this coming season.

“In the past season, we learnt to take each game as it comes. It has been most important to get a result every time we play. Now at the start of the season that will be uppermost in our minds because the start can play a huge role in how you finish the season.

“As a team, we have dreams and objectives, and it’s something we’re mindful of every season.

“This season won’t be any different from last season because we’ll always try to achieve our goals.

“What we failed to achieve last season, will be a target this season.

“We will not pressure ourselves by looking too far ahead.”

For Jane the experience of plying her trade in a foreign country has been an ongoing learning experience.

“Football-wise I have grown so much because I have been out of my comfort zone,” said Jane.

“To start life in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language or understand the culture can be challenging. I have learnt so much about adapting and the importance of relationships.”

The new Italian Serie A Women’s League season starts on August 29.